Blue Jays go Out of Their Way to Screw Team Canada
If you’ve watched any of the last couple of games, you know that B.C. native Scott Richmond is starting for the Jays tomorrow, since they pan to him in the dugout every couple of at-bats. Great story (read about his barnacle days here), except that it totally screws team Canada who can’t use him and can’t even put another pitcher on the roster this close to the Olympics.
You can hardly blame team Canada for not seeing this coming when Richmond was treading water in AA with an ERA around 5 about a month ago. He was striking out a fair number of guys, but also giving up a lot of home runs. And now due to injuries he’s shot through the system and is just getting a spot start (which would still allow him to play for Team Canada) – J.P. says that he’s here for an “extended look”:
“He’s been pitching really well and it’s an opportunity to get a look at him,” said Ricciardi. “He’s got the hot hand right now and I think we’ll find out what we’ve got.”
I call token Canadian on this one. There’s no need to “get a look” at him so soon, the Jays just need to throw someone in there that they don’t have to worry about rushing and ruining. The only reason that’s no longer Parrish has to be for the (somewhat questionable if you’re a fan of Team Canada) optics. Parrish hasn’t exactly been impressive, but Richmond doesn’t have any experience above AA so he’s not going to be any better (and his hand can’t be that hot coming off his worst start in AAA, where he gave up 4 runs on two dingers in 5 innings).
Incidentally, Brian Wolfe pitched three innings his last appearance for Syracuse, so you can assume that he’s going to get the next kick at the rotation once Richmond gets shelled a couple of times.
Update: Errrr, ok. Evidently the real reason is that Cito wants to keep having a majority of lefties in the bullpen. Well, that makes even less sense…
The Mockingbird 
No offense, I am a proud Canadian and will be cheering team Canada on in Beijing, but who really gives a flying crap about this? Do you think Scott Richmond cares?
“When you’re four years old, growing up you want to be a major league baseball player. Just bad timing, but you know what. I’m going take this timing over any other timing, that’s for sure. I’m not going to be upset with it at all.”
That would suggest to me that he’s perfectly happy with what has taken place. I hate to agree with JP, but he’s right, kids grow up dreaming of playing in the big leagues, not in Beijing with the Olympic team. Congratulations to Scott, and Go Canada in Beijing!
Sean C
July 31, 2008 at 1:38 am
I’m not shedding any tears for Scott – of course he’s happy. Heck, just making it on the roster for a couple of weeks will make him more $$$ than he’s ever seen in baseball. I just think it’s weird that he’s being given a shot out of the blue like this for no particular reason, and think it’s funny that the Jays are arbitrarily putting Canada in a huge bind and yet somehow it’s a great PR move…
halejon
July 31, 2008 at 2:11 am
Looks like someone’s poaching off your coat tails:
http://olympics.thestar.com/2008/article/470203
mulliniks
July 31, 2008 at 11:50 am
If this is anyone other than Steve Allen, you stole my bit!
Krusty
July 31, 2008 at 12:03 pm